Search - John Debney :: Superman: The Movie (1998 Re-recording)

One of the scores that brought Williams to fame...

Joseph Payne | 10/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Williams' excellent score for "Superman" was a landmark in film music. With the help of soundtracks such as "Jaws", "Star Wars", and "E.T.", Williams is known as the composer who brought orchestral music back into style. During the 70's, music was taking a path directly away from the orchestral style of music, and I would say if it weren't for John Williams, orchestral film music would no longer exist. (We really ought to give John Williams a lot of credit for the favor he did for those who still stick with the true form of music) Every word that describes highly entertaining and inspiring music will fit "Superman." This particular release of "Superman" was performed by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and was conducted by John Debney. (I think this release conducted my John Debney is excellent. After hearing his score for "Cutthroat Island", I think that anything under his name is worth getting) I would think that calling "Superman" the "King of March Music" would be an appropriate title. The main theme (at least) is all about the marching kind of music. This soundtrack will never cease to give a surprise and fill you with excitement. The main theme from "Superman" starts with bold brass instruments, introducing the sequel of long, inspiring music to come. The theme is then repeated, this time by more brass instruments. Snare drums in the background can be heard quietly growing louder, and a sudden build up in the orchestra hits a high point, and then quickly backs off, followed by a quiet arrangement for the woodwinds and strings. After their part is finished, their is a short moment of silence. Suddenly, strings slowly begin to play repeated low notes, gaining speed as they progress. The strings then proceed to once again blend into the fantastic Superman theme. For the next minute, their is an exciting duel between quiet moments and swift anthems. Four minutes into this track, the music really begins to bring itself out. After a change in key, the strings swiftly play their background melody as brass once again announce the main theme. From this point to the end of the track, you'll be wondering just how John Williams is able to compose such stunning music. The main theme ends with an excellent grand finally, where the entire orchestra is in full gear, and ends on one note. As far as the different releases of "Superman" is concerned, their is no real difference between this release and its original two CD release. (The only thing I can think of is that the Rhino release probably has better sound quality, since being released just recently) It's simply a matter of decision, and your choice on the orchestra you prefer (Well, I take that back. The other release of "Superman" has more music then this release, but only minor tracks.) I thought John Debney's release sounded appealing, thus the reasoning for its purchase. However, I do not recommend the original single CD release. It has a history of bad sound quality as well as half the music that the newer releases have. "Superman" is an excellent soundtrack. After all, every soundtrack collector has heard of the John Williams' popular "Superman" score. If you are a heavy collector of John Williams, "Superman" couldn't better fit that category"

An Excellent Presentation

John Garrett | NY, USA | 04/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this 2-CD set. The music needs no introduction anywhere in the world. The audio quality of this 1998 recording surpasses what could be captured in 1978 when the original recording was made. The liner notes are a pleasure to read.I'd also like to correct an error made by a previous reviewer: the total running length of this set is 82 minutes 10 seconds, which *cannot* be accomodated on a single CD. The producers originally planned a single CD release, but when it turned out that the music as recorded ran a few minutes too long, the decision was made to create a 2-CD set. In hindsight, it's unfortunate that they didn't know from the start that there would be room for extra pieces, but even so the selections included make a full and satisfying experience. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra was definitely up to the task. It's terrific."

Who decided on this?

Michael Mitchell | Sacramento, CA | 10/24/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is very bittersweet for owners of the original Superman cd. It has included some new clips, yet miraculously left off clips from the original cd! This is truly perplexing! I must first say that all this music for Superman deserves 5 stars. It is exciting, nice and brassy, and features some of John William's best marches and melodies. This cd does justice to most of the tracks beacuse the they are finally in stereo, they have received 20 bit mastering, and most have the same speed as the original album. Particular tracks to notice are the main title, which finally features the delicate prologue, growing up, and the Helicopter sequence; all include unreleased material and all are wonderful! The fun stops there, however, according to your preferences. For reasons unknown, the producer has left off material from the original cd! Therefore, this cd is far from complete, even though it has more room to accomidate these clips. I will say that the two cut tracks aren't too spectacular and don't feature really memorable melodies, but it is still unfortunate. I do reccomend this cd to new buyers interested in this excellent John Williams score. For owners of the original cd, tread with caution."